Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced his intention to officially demand the termination of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel. According to The New York Times, the official proposal will be submitted for consideration by the foreign ministers of the EU countries on Tuesday, April 21.
According to Sanchez, this step is dictated by Madrid's disagreement with the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran. The Spanish leader called the current campaign a "huge mistake," pointing to the large-scale human casualties, millions of refugees, and colossal economic damage.
Pedro Sanchez emphasized that this measure is not an expression of hostility towards the Israeli people, but is directed solely against the policies of the current government. "A government that violates international law and the principles of the EU cannot remain a partner of the union," he stated, urging his EU colleagues to support the Spanish initiative.
The Association Agreement, in effect since 1995, serves as the foundation for economic and political cooperation between Brussels and Jerusalem. Its termination could lead to serious economic consequences and a revision of the legal framework of bilateral relations.
It is worth noting that Sanchez's strong anti-war rhetoric resonates with local voters. According to recent polls, the popularity of the ruling Socialist Party is growing, while the ratings of the opposition right-wing party Vox, which supports the military operation, are showing a decline. Relations between Madrid and Washington also remain tense: earlier, Spain denied the US the use of joint military bases for strikes against Iran, which drew sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and threats to terminate bilateral trade.
